Your doctor has recommended Botox® injections for your blepharospasm (rapid eye blinking) or facial muscle spasms. Botox® blocks the chemicals that cause the spasms in your muscles. Botox® is not a cure. It helps relieve your symptoms for about 3 months. This pamphlet explains what Botox® is and how it works, how to get ready for your appointment, what will happen during and after the treatment, and side effects. The French version of this pamphlet 1783, "Injection de Botox®", is also availabl…
This pamphlet will help you learn how to care for yourself safely after surgery. This surgery is called a dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). It is needed when the tear duct is blocked and tears cannot drain. During the surgery, your surgeon will make a new tear path so that your tears can drain into your nose. The pamphlet explains what will happen before, during, and after your surgery. Topics include pain, how to use a cold compress, your dressing, after care, and follow-up. Symptoms that need medi…
This surgery removes all or part of a damaged cornea (the clear, front part of your eye) and replaces it with healthy donor tissue. A corneal transplant can be done to improve vision, relieve pain, or treat a severe (very bad) infection. This pamphlet explains the 3 main types of corneal transplants, what to expect after surgery, things to remember, and how to use eye drops. A list of symptoms that need medical attention right away is included. The French version of this pamphlet 1718, "Greffe …
Many people look for health information online. Using Google may give you lots of information, but it may not be the best information. The quality of information online varies. This pamphlet includes questions to ask about health-related websites, things to think about, and good starting points for online health information. The internet can be helpful, but it should never replace talking to your health care providers. They are the experts.
This pamphlet will help you learn how to care for yourself safely before and after day surgery. The French version of this pamphlet 1537, "Avant et après une chirurgie d'un jour", is also available.
Parathyroidectomy is a surgery that removes your parathyroid glands. Your parathyroid glands are in your neck (usually on the back of the thyroid gland). They help to control your blood calcium and phosporous levels. Hyperparathyroidism is when one or more of the parathyroid glands makes too much parathyroid hormone in your blood. If this happens, you will need a parathyroidectomy. This pamphlet explains what a parathyroidectomy is, the possible complications with this surgery, care after surge…
MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. An MRI machine uses a powerful magnet, radio waves, and a computer. It does not use radiation or X-rays. The MRI machine takes detailed images that show tissues in your body. These images will help your primary health care provider (family doctor or nurse practitioner) or specialist diagnose your condition. An MRI does not hurt. This pamphlet explains how long an MRI takes, how to get ready for your MRI, what to bring to your appointment, and what will…
Your health care provider has talked with you about why your eye or the contents of your eye must be removed. This pamphlet will help you learn how to safely care for yourself after your procedure. The medical term for eye removal is enucleation. The medical term for removing the contents of the eye and leaving the outer coat (sclera) behind is evisceration. Both procedures mean permanent loss of the eye. This pamphlet explains what will happen before and after your surgery, including wearing a…
This pamphlet will help you learn how to care for yourself safely after surgery. It explains why you may need eyelid surgery, medications to tell your surgeon's office you are taking before surgery, and what will happen during and after your surgery. Information on your dressing, how to use a cold compress, pain, and your follow-up appointment is included. A list of symptoms that need medical attention right away is also given. The French version of this pamphlet 2101, "OpĂ©ration de la paupière…
You have a tumour in your orbit (eye socket). You need surgery to remove a sample (piece) of the tumour, or to remove the whole tumour. This pamphlet explains why you need orbital surgery, and what to expect before, during, and after surgery. It also gives information about when you will see your eye surgeon after surgery, and lists symtoms that need medical attention right away.
During orbital decompression surgery, the eye surgeon will remove a large part of the bony wall in the orbit (eye socket). This pamphlet explains why you may need this surgery, and what to expect before, during, and after surgery. It also gives information about your follow-up appointment and lists medical symptoms that need attention right away.
This pamphlet is for patients who are beginning dialysis. It explains what to expect when starting hemodialysis, common questions you may have, your hemodialysis schedule, and your hemodialysis health care team. Information about Patient Rights and Responsibilities, Patient Relations, and Ethics is included. The pamphlet also includes a list of resources and words you may hear during your treatment. A blank Hemodialysis Care Plan, Hemodialysis Tracking Sheet, and Hemodialysis checklist are also…
Unit 8.2 a 37-bed medical teaching unit for people with a range of conditions. This pamphlet includes information on Home First and discharge planning, having a family spokesperson, your health care team, planning for going home, visitors, important times, help from your support persons, services while you are in the hospital, medication safety in the hospital and at home, infection control, and how to give feedback and suggestions.
Unit 7.4 is a 33-bed unit caring for people with stroke and other problems of the brain and nervous system. Basic information is given about the unit for you and your loved ones. Topics include: Home First and discharge planning, important telephone numbers, your health care team, visitors, parking, food and drink, personal belongings, waiting rooms, and places to stay in Halifax. Space is provided at the end of the pamphlet for you to write down the names of important members of your health ca…
This pamphlet is a guide for at home after brain tumour (tumor) surgery. Topics include: staples or stitches, activity, driving, taking care of your incision, washing your hair, eating and drinking, alcohol, and medication. Things to watch for (emergency symptoms) are listed. The pamphlet also includes information about recovery.
An explanation of how to take care of your metered-dose inhaler (MDI) with a spacer device and the two ways you can use it are provided. Medication tips and examples of puffers used with a spacer device are listed. Important reminders about MDIs are also provided. The French version of this pamphlet 1374, "Comment utiliser votre inhalateur avec une chambre d’inhalation", is also available.
During a PFO or an ASD closure, a puncture (small hole) is made in your groin so that the doctor can put a special catheter (tube) into your vein. A special closure device is put through the catheter and carefully moved to the right spot in your heart. The doctor watches this process on monitors. It then opens up and covers both sides of the hole in your heart. What to bring to the hospital, what to expect before, during and after the procedure are reviewed. Details are given about how to care…
Hospital Pharmacy Services includes pharmacists, regulated pharmacy technicians, and pharmacy practice assistants. They are all important members of your health care team. They work directly with you to help with your health needs. They teach patients about their medications and offer care to help patients reach their personal health goals. This pamphlet explains what pharmacy services are available, including medication preparation, history, and management; prescribing medications; medication …
This pamphlet gives information about your care before and after surgery. Topics about getting ready for surgery include learning about the time of your surgery, dentures and oral appliances, glasses and contact lenses, hearing aids, personal care items, and valuables. Information about the day of surgery includes what to bring to the hospital, when to arrive, anesthetic, delays, the Same Day Surgery Unit, and surgery. Information about after your surgery includes the recovery area and nursing …
This surgery is called endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). It is needed when your tear duct is blocked and tears cannot drain. This pamphlet explains what to expect before, during, and after surgery. It includes information about pain, cold compresses, dressings, after care, and follow-up. A list of symptoms that require immediate medical attention is provided.